Blacksmith Depot Hammers

[ThomasPowers]

I picked up some lose sweedish pattern heads a couple of quad-states ago, a bit rough on the punching and quite soft but as I got them for students I *LIKE* them to be soft---harder for them to damage my anvils and tools. I do have to dress them every now and then but for the price I paid and the safety I get from them they were a good investment.

I've had students claim that their bad hammering was due to the hammer and not that they couldn't hammer straight and that my sweedish pattern I used to correct their problems was what made the difference---so now they can use a sweedish pattern themselves and find out they *still* have the same problems!

[Quenchcrack]

I posted my complaint on the Blacksmith Depot site yesterday and got an email from Mr. Kayne today. He offered me a $50 gift certificate. It is a gracious offer but I only asked that the defective BD Swedish Hammer be replaced. I could not ask for more than that. It is refreshing to find a merchant that will admit to a problem and promptly address it as generously as Mr. Kayne did.

[KYBOY]

Thats good to hear..

[Quenchcrack]

Well, this is odd. Kayne just sent me an email saying would not be replacing the hammer as I requested. They would refund my money instead. Guess they figure I am just too fussy and would never be happy.......maybe so.

[Frosty]

It's possible they reviewed the last shipment of hammers after your complaint and discovered there aren't any up to standard to replace yours with.

I don't believe I've ever heard of a complaint Kayne and Sons wouldn't make good on.

Frosty

[Quenchcrack]

OK, here are photos of the BD Swedish hammer, $25 with shipping (Square Head) and a HF hammer, $5 (Round Head). Note that the head is square with the top of the picture frame and the handle slopes to the left. The HF hammer is about 8 years old, the Swedish was used once. Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill? As I said, poor workmanship but not unusable.

Frosty, the same idea occurred to me. I would bet a big orange drink that is the case.

[Frosty]

No, the handle is definitely cattywompus and the face looks dinged already.

Kayne and sons is giving you your money back though and I'm sure they'll explain why they're refunding rather than replacing if you ask.

It may just be a matter of a slipped die rather than poor workmanship. Of course I'd expect quality control to catch it when the handle is installed so there is definitely someone NOT doing their job.

Frosty

[rthibeau]

So, did you end up satisfied with Kayne & Son?? I've bought from them before and would like to know they stand behind their products.

[Quenchcrack]

I was told that "every brand including those at regular hardware stores have hammers that could be considered off by some and fine by others. We will refund the entire amount of your invoice today." I will return the hammers when I get the refund. However, I still don't have the hammers I wanted. Richard, I think BD stands behind their products but I still wasn't happy about the outcome of the situation. I was left feeling that they thought I was just being too picky.

[Ecart]

I met Mr Kayne a couple of years back and bought the Swedish hammer from him. I am just a beginner, so the hammer seems okay to me, but I will look at it again. As for doing business with him, I have chosen not to make him my first choice for my blacksmithing needs. That is only a personal choice that has little to do with his product.